
Jurgen Klopp (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Jürgen Klopp has praised Xabi Alonso’s rise as a top manager, calling him a “standout” as the Spaniard prepares to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
Xabi Alonso looks set to become Real Madrid’s next manager, and he’s already received glowing praise from former boss Jurgen Klopp, who called him one of the game’s outstanding new coaches.
Alonso has confirmed he will leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer after leading the club to a remarkable season in Germany. With Carlo Ancelotti expected to exit Madrid at the end of the season, Alonso is now the overwhelming favorite to take the job at the Bernabéu.
Speaking last season about Alonso’s managerial rise, Klopp didn’t hold back: “Xabi is doing an incredible job. He’s a standout in this new generation of managers. The football he plays, the teams he sets up, the transfers he’s made—it's absolutely exceptional.”
Klopp added: “He was like a coach already when he played. Former world-class player, coaching blood in his family—it all fits.”
Ironically, Klopp himself had been linked with the Real Madrid post before Alonso emerged as the top candidate. However, the former Liverpool boss appears content with his new role as head of global soccer at Red Bull.
His agent Marc Kosicke recently told Sky Germany: “Jürgen is very happy in his new role. He’s fully focused and not considering a return to the sidelines.”
Klopp also confirmed that sentiment directly on Instagram, writing: “A few months ago I said I don't see myself on the sidelines any more and that is still the case. But I still love football, and Red Bull gives me the perfect platform.”
Alonso will coach his final match for Leverkusen this weekend against Mainz, having already secured second place in the Bundesliga. Real Madrid, meanwhile, sit second in La Liga, trailing rivals Barcelona with three games left to play.